What is marcasite Jewellery made of?
marcasite Jewellery made
Marcasite is a beautiful crystalline form of iron sulfide. It was once used to make jewellery because it is less expensive than gold and looks very similar, hence the name ‘Fools Gold’. It is also incredibly hard-wearing. This means that marcasite rings are often passed down through generations of women, and many jewellery pieces made with this material have become very valuable.
The popularity of marcasite declined during the late 19th century. It is widely thought that this was because Queen Victoria chose to wear marcasite jewellery as a form of mourning for her beloved husband Prince Albert, who died in 1861. This was because she saw marcasite as a more melancholy stone, whereas diamonds were considered inappropriate for this occasion.
However, marcasite regained its popularity in the Edwardian and Art Deco periods. This was due to the rise of Egyptian style jewellery that came about as a result of Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt, and this inspired new jewellery designs featuring this precious metal.
During this time, marcasite was most commonly used to create earrings and pendants. These were often accompanied by soft semi-precious gemstones to create more elaborate pieces. These were popular with both upper and middle classes, as the price of marcasite was considerably less than that of diamonds.
What is marcasite Jewellery made of?
The stones in marcasite jewellery are usually set with tiny claws, which gives the piece a much more elegant look. The metalwork on these pieces is also highly detailed, and often features engraved patterns or floral designs.
These days, marcasite is still a very popular gemstone for jewellery. It is available in a wide variety of colours, and can be combined with different metals to create unique and stunning pieces. It is also easy to find a piece of marcasite jewellery to suit any budget, with both vintage and modern styles available at very affordable prices.
When shopping for marcasite jewellery, it is important to consider the care required to preserve this exquisite gem. Due to its brittle nature and the fact that it reacts with moisture, marcasite should be stored in dry conditions. It should never be subjected to excessive brushing or soaking, as this can cause damage to the stone and its setting. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth is recommended to help maintain the lustre of marcasite.
If you’re looking to buy marcasite jewellery online, we recommend choosing a reputable seller that offers a secure payment system and a guarantee of authenticity. In addition, it is a good idea to read the description carefully and look for pictures that show clear evidence of the quality of the product. This will ensure that you are getting the best value for your money and that your new purchase is of a high standard. Ultimately, this will save you both time and money in the long run as you can avoid spending more than you should on a piece of jewellery that may not be what you’re expecting.